painted face

The other day I realised that the constant companion of a camera with a light meter has not worsened my ability to guesstimate, but improved it. Thanks to the light meter I can always confirm my guesses and therefore have developed quite a bit of experience. I still guesstimate quite a lot in changing light conditions since I mostly shoot from the hip, but the light meter helps me to establish a base reading for a certain area. I tend to have a better basis for my guesses, but still can tell pretty much off the top of my hat what kind of settings I need in a lot of outdoor situations.

I’ve also come to have my camera ready in most situations, so that I’m prepared should a subject appear suddenly in front of me. The other day I suddenly had two big dogs right there, and fired off a couple of shots without thinking much. That’s the kind of mindset I like to be in when I’m walking about. Not actually super focused on shooting with that wired selective perception that gets me annoyed when there’s nothing to shoot, but focused enough to enjoy a walk and still get one or two good shots anyway should the chance arise. It’s the only way not to get frustrated when the streets are empty.

All pictures taken with: Leica M6, Zeiss ZM C-Biogon 35mm f/2.8.
dm Paradies 400 developed in Fuji Hunt C41 Kit, Jobo CPE-2.

© Lilly Schwartz 2015

© Lilly Schwartz 2015

War paint?

© Lilly Schwartz 2015

© Lilly Schwartz 2015

© Lilly Schwartz 2015

© Lilly Schwartz 2015

Difficult light.

© Lilly Schwartz 2015

© Lilly Schwartz 2015

I was trying to take a picture of the dog in the background but another dog photobombed the picture.

© Lilly Schwartz 2015

© Lilly Schwartz 2015

We were at an event organised by one of the parties during the election. Just a relaxed afternoon with music, kids playing and so on.

© Lilly Schwartz 2015

© Lilly Schwartz 2015

Tired?

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